October 2003
Baker Unfolds Its Fall Colors in a Sophisticated Layering of Rich Metallics, Layered Neutrals, and Tailored Classics
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (October 16, 2003) - Baker unveiled a rich spectrum of color set against shades of black and white to complement its latest introductions and well-loved classics at the Fall 2003 International Furniture Market in High Point, N.C. Baker selected 79 fabrics and two new leathers to dress its High Point Showroom with a soothing story of blissful understatement.
The starkness of black, brown and white was chosen as a backdrop to Baker's fashionable fabric choices this season. Warm and cool shades of platinum, gold, silver, copper and bronze were matched with the Old World charm of embroidered and watered silks, velvets and damasks. Understated monochromatic colorways and tailored menswear provided textured relief.
"The simple sophistication of black and white is timeless, a fact that has never been lost on fashion," explained James Nauyok, director, visual display, for Baker Knapp & Tubbs and force behind Baker's color choices this season. "I wanted to bring this same aesthetic into play within the showroom. The cool chic of platinum and silver meld beautifully against the warm hues of gold, copper, and bronze. Tapestries, silks and velvets reflect elegance and Old World sensibility. Tailored menswear in spicy, rich colors and contrasting shades of black, white, and gray add life and vitality as well as a flair of relevant, livable theater."
Nauyok teamed with Carol Cole, designer, textiles for Baker Knapp & Tubbs, to transform the Stately Homes, Grand Salon and Upholstery Gallery into a breathtaking palette of balanced contradiction. Awash with color, yet held in place with strong basic choices, the rooms flowed from one to another in easy transition, complementing the wood and upholstered forms.
Stately Homes
The choices for the Stately Homes introductions were chosen from an Old World tapestry screen Nauyok found while in an antique shop. Each of the four distinctive colors: red lacquer, sage green, antique gold, and cornflower blue are anchored in warm mocha tones. Blending each colorway together with complementing textures, buttery leathers, touches of paisley and rich-bodied stripes, fur throws, and a fun, cut and uncut velvet zebra print shown three ways, each room was a thoughtful representation of traditional form, fashionable nuance, and subtle, yet compelling color layering.
A sampling of the fabrics that decked Stately Homes were:
A honeycomb woven, miniature octagon patterned imported silk from London shown in moss and sage.
An exclusive, chenille damask with a textured, aged quality shown in a blue/green ocean color on a copper ground
An imported formal silk stripe from Italy in colors of crimson, gold and celadon
An imported, Italian printed cotton corduroy paisley design, exclusive to Baker, and shown in two colorways: crimson and moss or sage and celadon
A textured mohair, imported from Belgium, in the color of sable
Grand Salon
Baker's Grand Salon was awash with rich metallic tones against chic black and white walls. Window treatments in black and ecru chenille in a classic oversized vine design are trimmed in a black and ecru pinstripe. Shades of gray, unexpected patterns and textures and deep, singular tones lend effect through remarkable contrast.
Fabrics seen in the Grand Salon included:
A cut Italian velvet in a stylized zebra pattern, and shown in two colorways: bronze with camel ground, and onyx with khaki ground
An exclusive, large scale, cotton windowpane plaid accented by an ottoman outline, imported from Italy, and shown in three colorways: cream, khaki and ecru; celadon, cream and sage; and moss, tan and khaki
A tailored silk stripe, exclusive to Baker, in three colorways: khaki and cream; platinum and gray; and moss and emerald
A small-scaled, diamond pattern accentuated with a boucle yarn, shown in two colorways: cream and ecru, and celadon and sage
An imported, flower patterned, embroidered silk, set with contrasting velvet tufts shown in three colorways: ecru, cream and gold; camel, green and gold; and khaki, platinum and cream
A wide wale, velvet corduroy from Belgium shown in four colorways: khaki; antique gold; silver blue; and persimmon
An imported, Asian inspired damask is shown in four colorways: cream, celadon, amber, and sienna
Upholstery Gallery
A comfortable exchange of corduroy, leather and cotton checks, quilted velvet, houndstooth, tweed, and linen lend a relaxed air to the Upholstery Gallery's traditional presentation. Familiar prints are updated. Shades of pomegranate and coral, earth, and spice tones, and a tailored mix of feminine and masculine choices update the familiar fabrics with cosmopolitan flair.
The vibrant exchange included:
A saffron and brown linen windowpane plaid in sisal, imported from London, and accented with an aged, chestnut leather
A heavy textured weave, accentuated with aged, chestnut leather, in four colorways: burlap; timber; mango; and sienna
An unusual, diamond quilted velvet in three colorways: wheat, nutmeg and crimson
Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms, and Baker Stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company and Ann Sacks, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs.
Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.
Return to previous page